In 1977, the United States launched a golden disk into space, and Liu Cixin said it was a foolish act to destroy humanity

Tech 2023-11-03 09:45:51 Source: Network

Do you know that in 1977, the United States launched two probes into space, called Voyager 1 and Voyager 2?Did you know that both detectors carry a metal record that records human voices, images, music, and information?Do you know that the purpose of this metal record is to convey human greetings and invitations to extraterrestrial civilizations? Do you know that this metal record is considered by some scientists and writers to be an extremely dangerous and foolish behavior that may attract extraterrestrial attacks and extinction?On August 20 and September 5, 1977, NASA launched the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes, respectively, marking the first time in human history that a probe was launched outside the solar system.The main mission of these two probes is to explore exoplanets in the solar system, such as Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, and to transmit their images and data to humans

Do you know that in 1977, the United States launched two probes into space, called Voyager 1 and Voyager 2?

Did you know that both detectors carry a metal record that records human voices, images, music, and information?

Do you know that the purpose of this metal record is to convey human greetings and invitations to extraterrestrial civilizations? Do you know that this metal record is considered by some scientists and writers to be an extremely dangerous and foolish behavior that may attract extraterrestrial attacks and extinction?

On August 20 and September 5, 1977, NASA launched the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes, respectively, marking the first time in human history that a probe was launched outside the solar system.

The main mission of these two probes is to explore exoplanets in the solar system, such as Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, and to transmit their images and data to humans. However, in addition to their scientific goals, these two probes also have a more grand and romantic goal, which is to transmit human information to potential extraterrestrial civilizations in the universe.

In order to achieve this goal, NASA specifically commissioned a team led by renowned American astronomer Carl Sagan to design and produce a carrier that can represent human civilization. After multiple discussions and screening, they ultimately decided to use a metal record as a carrier.

This metal record is a circular disc made of copper, with a diameter of 30 centimeters and a thickness of 1.27 millimeters. The surface is covered with a layer of metal aluminum to prevent oxidation. This metal record can be played on a regular record player and can be stored for hundreds of millions of years without damage.

This metal record records human voices, images, music, and information. The sound section includes greetings in 55 languages, various natural sounds (such as wind, water, thunder, fire, etc.), animal calls (such as birds, apes, whales, etc.), and various human sounds (such as laughter, crying, sneezing, kissing, etc.).

The image section includes 116 photos, showcasing various human features, skin tones, clothing, postures, activities, as well as various landscapes, architecture, art, technology, etc. of the Earth.

The music section includes 27 pieces of music from different styles and regions, such as Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto", Beethoven's "Fifth Symphony", Bella Bartok's "Central European Dance", Charlie Parker's "Star Trek", China's "Running Water", India's "Jataka", etc.

The information section includes some basic scientific and mathematical knowledge, such as atomic structure, periodic table of chemical elements, DNA structure, human anatomy, planetary orbits of the solar system, etc.

The production process of this metal record is very complex and delicate, involving the participation and collaboration of multiple fields and experts. The most difficult part is how to select and organize these sounds, images, music, and information to represent the diversity and richness of human civilization, while also being understood and recognized by extraterrestrial civilizations.

To address this issue, the Carl Sagan team conducted extensive research and discussion, referencing multiple language and symbol systems, and ultimately designed a simple and complex encoding method. They carved some basic graphic symbols on metal records to illustrate the playback method and content structure of the records.

They also added some auxiliary equipment on the record, such as a stylus and a circuit diagram of a phonograph, to help extraterrestrial civilization play the record. They also carved some astronomical symbols on the record to indicate the source and direction of the record. They hope to establish an effective communication and exchange with extraterrestrial civilizations through these means.

The launch process of this metal record is also very exciting and spectacular, attracting worldwide attention and anticipation. On August 20, 1977, the Voyager 2 spacecraft launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying a metal record and began its space journey.

On September 5, 1977, the Voyager 1 probe was also launched from the same location with a metal record, following closely behind. These two probes have successively flown over planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, and have returned their exquisite images and precious data to humanity.

After completing the exoplanet exploration mission, these two probes continued to fly towards the edge of the solar system and became the first and second artificial objects to leave the solar system in 2012 and 2018, respectively. They will continue to fly for tens of thousands or even billions of years until they encounter other stars or planetary systems. The metal records they carry may be discovered and played by an extraterrestrial civilization, thus achieving the first contact between humans and extraterrestrial civilizations.

How are human voices, images, music, and information selected and arranged on metal records? What meaning do they represent?

The Carl Sagan team followed the following principles when selecting and arranging the content of metal records:

Extensiveness. They cover as much as possible various aspects of human civilization, such as language, culture, art, technology, etc., to showcase the diversity and richness of humanity.

Representativeness. They chose as much content as possible with universal significance and value, such as natural sounds, human laughter, Beethoven's music, etc., to showcase the commonality and spirit of humanity.

Simplicity. They used some simple and clear content as much as possible, such as graphic symbols, astronomical symbols, basic knowledge, etc., to facilitate the understanding and recognition of extraterrestrial civilizations.

Integrity. They ensured as much as possible that the content of the metal record was complete and coherent, with a certain logic and correlation between sound, images, music, and information, in order to facilitate the acquisition and analysis of extraterrestrial civilizations.

The content of metal records is not only a carrier of information, but also a cultural expression. They reflect humans' understanding and exploration of themselves and the universe, their perception and creation of life and beauty, and their expectations and invitations for the future and extraterrestrial space. They are the best introduction for humans to themselves and the best greeting for extraterrestrial beings.

Although metal records have lofty goals and beautiful aspirations, there are also risks and controversies. One of the main questions is whether metal records will expose human positions and weaknesses, leading to extraterrestrial attacks and extinction?

This issue has caused widespread discussion and debate in both the scientific and literary fields. Some scientists and writers believe that metal records are an extremely dangerous and foolish behavior, simply a foolish act that destroys humanity. They believe that if extraterrestrial civilizations exist, they are likely to be more advanced and powerful civilizations than humans. They may not have any interest or sympathy for humans, and may even view them as threats or competitors.

They believe that metal records are equivalent to sending a signal to extraterrestrial civilizations, telling them where humans are, how many humans there are, and what humans have. In this way, extraterrestrial civilizations can easily find and destroy humans, just like humans have destroyed many other species. They believe that humans should remain low-key and cautious, avoiding contact or conflict with extraterrestrial civilizations.

Other scientists and writers hold the opposite view, believing that metal records are a brave and wise act, an opportunity to open a new chapter in humanity. They believe that if extraterrestrial civilizations exist, they are likely to be more civilized and friendly than humans. They may have curiosity or respect for humans, and may even be willing to communicate or cooperate with them.

They believe that metal records are equivalent to sending an invitation to extraterrestrial civilizations, telling them who humans are, what humans think, and what humans want. In this way, extraterrestrial civilizations can actively communicate with humans and share their knowledge and experience, just like humans communicate and interact with other civilizations. They believe that humans should remain open and enterprising, seeking contact or cooperation with extraterrestrial civilizations.

This issue is currently unresolved and may never be resolved. Because the fate of metal records is still unknown, it is impossible to predict whether they will be discovered and played by extraterrestrial civilizations, whether they will forever drift and remain silent in the universe, or whether they will return to Earth or other places at some point.

However, metal records are always an important and interesting event in human history, reflecting human wisdom and courage, as well as human confusion and concerns.

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